Google’s Find Hub had a tumultuous launch for its performance, but also for a lack of clear direction in hardware. Over two years later, that’s finally arriving in the Google Pixel Tag which, even just a few days in, is the obvious gold standard in the race to build an AirTag for Android devices.
Google Pixel Tag is now available for purchase at the Google Store and Amazon.
There are plenty of really good Android Find Hub trackers on the market. Pebblebee and Chipolo have been long-standing examples of how to build good dual-network trackers that work on both Android and iOS, while Motorola’s Moto Tag series has delivered two Android-only trackers that deliver better performance and more focused features. But even with the Moto Tag, there’s a clear compromise. Features like the ability to ring your phone are tied to a separate app and, in turn, have some inherent clunkiness.
Pixel Tag is the device that finally brings it all together, and it’s brilliant so far.
I’ve only had the Pixel Tag for a week and, frankly, it’s impossible to properly review a tracker in that time. There are only so many ways to artificially test out how a tracker works, as most cases where you’ll find value in this sort of product can only occur in real life.
So, with that said, let’s focus on the fundamentals.
Google Pixel Tag pairs to your Android phone just like any other Find Hub tracker – though much faster compared to some others I’ve tested – but the differences are obvious towards the end of that process. The final screen shows options for setting ringer volume and an option to set up “Ring this phone.”
Those new features are what make the Pixel Tag so good, and so appealing compared to all of the competition. A quick double-tap on the Tag’s button rings whichever phone you connected it to, assuming it’s in range, and it works pretty reliably. You can also set up “left behind” alerts (now available on other Find Hub trackers too) for when the phone leaves the tracker behind – you can set up exclusion zones such as your home or work address.
One of my favorite examples of the added polish from Google is the ability to adjust the ringer volume on the page where you actually want to ring the tracker. In a crowded but quiet space where you know the tracker is close by, being able to quickly set the volume to low is a great addition. In my book, it’s the reason to buy Pixel Tag over any other Android tracker.
UWB, of course, only makes up-close finding all the better. I found this decently reliable on my Pixel 11 Pro XL, but it is a little bit frustrating that the directional cues vanish within about 10-12 feet. Fine for a backpack or something like that, potentially a problem if your Tag is attached to a set of keys.
On that note, my biggest hardware complaint is that Google took the Apple route of having no built-in mounting mechanism. The super thin and light hardware of Pixel Tag is wonderful, don’t get me wrong, but being forced to buy a separate accessory just to attach it to my bag is frustrating! One of Google’s partners, Bellroy, built one of these accessories and it’s simple enough – a silicone case with a rope. I wish I didn’t need it, but it works, and at least you get two of them in a pack for $25.
The hardware itself is pretty good across the board, really, with the battery door also being slightly easier to open compared to the Moto Tag. Inside is a standard CR2032 battery that Google says will last “over one year.” I’d personally still prefer a rechargeable battery with USB-C or wireless charging, but this is a good enough solution given the amount of time the battery lasts – hopefully Google’s claim lives up.
Rounding out some of the key aspects here, it’s worth saying that the built-in speaker is more than loud enough at its highest setting, but the value for me so far has really come in that the low setting is actually low enough to not be a nuisance. I do find it a little strange that there’s no visual indication of where the Tag’s button is, but the packaging and app both do a good enough job of letting you know.
Overall performance in Find Hub seems fine, but as mentioned at the outset, this is a really hard thing to test artificially, all the more so in the span of just a few days. Google’s Find Hub network has gotten a lot better in the past two years, but it’s still hit or miss in my experience. It’s very clear that Google is making an effort to reverse the privacy-inspired decision to effectively disable the Find Hub network outside of crowded areas, but the damage has been done. I’m not sure the network will ever fully recover from that misstep, regardless of what tracker you’re using it with.
I’m looking forward to seeing how Pixel Tag performs as the travel season spins back up, so stay tuned for a later long-term review of Google’s tracker in the coming months. Initial impressions, though, are solid. Sound off in the comments below if you have any questions around Pixel Tag, I’ll answer everything I can!
- Pixel Tag tidbits: Surprise NFC, Find Hub setup, and Bellroy keychain cases
Google Pixel Tag is now available at the Google Store and Amazon.
While only time will tell, Google’s Pixel Tag is off to a great start with speedy pairing, UWB finding, and better Find Hub integration than any other alternatives. As far as we’re concerned, it’s the gold standard for a Find Hub tracker on Android right now.
- Fast pairing
- UWB precision location tracking
- Better Find Hub controls & integration
- Google’s Find Hub network is still recovering from a messy launch
- Requires an accessory to mount to bag/keys
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